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05/09/2012
Major Newcastle Meeting Against Mournes National Park
More than a thousand people have attended an event opposed to national park proposals for the Mourne mountains.
The public meeting in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle considered environment minister Alex Attwood's proposals to make the Mournes area one of two new national parks in Northern Ireland.
All other parts of the UK have national parks, as does the Republic of Ireland.
And Mr Attwood has named the Mournes as one of the top three contenders for the added protection, along with the Causeway coast and Antrim glens, and the Fermanagh Lakelands.
Jason Rankin of the Ulster Farmers' Union said: "Farmers are here from all over Northern Ireland who are passionately opposed to these proposals.
"Farmers in England are restricted in so many ways which we can ill afford at a time when we're looking to the agri-food industry to take us out of recession in Northern Ireland."
The Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty residents group is also opposed to the national park plans.
Valerie Hanna of the group said: "Large companies do not locate to national parks.
"House prices rise and rates will rise too because people look at national parks as a status symbol where they can buy a second home."
(NE)
The public meeting in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle considered environment minister Alex Attwood's proposals to make the Mournes area one of two new national parks in Northern Ireland.
All other parts of the UK have national parks, as does the Republic of Ireland.
And Mr Attwood has named the Mournes as one of the top three contenders for the added protection, along with the Causeway coast and Antrim glens, and the Fermanagh Lakelands.
Jason Rankin of the Ulster Farmers' Union said: "Farmers are here from all over Northern Ireland who are passionately opposed to these proposals.
"Farmers in England are restricted in so many ways which we can ill afford at a time when we're looking to the agri-food industry to take us out of recession in Northern Ireland."
The Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty residents group is also opposed to the national park plans.
Valerie Hanna of the group said: "Large companies do not locate to national parks.
"House prices rise and rates will rise too because people look at national parks as a status symbol where they can buy a second home."
(NE)
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24 September 2004
Take advantage of Mournes National Park, delegates told
Delegates at the annual Newry and Mourne Tourism Conference have been urged to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the proposed designation of the Mournes as a National Park.
Take advantage of Mournes National Park, delegates told
Delegates at the annual Newry and Mourne Tourism Conference have been urged to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the proposed designation of the Mournes as a National Park.
22 March 2004
Mournes National Park takes a step closer
A National Park for the Mournes area of Co Down took a step closer today after the Government confirmed a Chairman for the Working Party set up to bring about the plan is to be appointed.
Mournes National Park takes a step closer
A National Park for the Mournes area of Co Down took a step closer today after the Government confirmed a Chairman for the Working Party set up to bring about the plan is to be appointed.
24 June 2003
Mournes 'National' Park talks continue
Plans for a National Park in the Mournes area were discussed today during a meeting in Co Down. The meeting, held in Newcastle, examined both the proposal and to seek a consensus on how local people, elected representatives and various interested parties can most effectively participate in the process.
Mournes 'National' Park talks continue
Plans for a National Park in the Mournes area were discussed today during a meeting in Co Down. The meeting, held in Newcastle, examined both the proposal and to seek a consensus on how local people, elected representatives and various interested parties can most effectively participate in the process.
11 April 2003
Mournes National Park moves a step closer
Minister of the Environment, Angela Smith, has revealed that a further step has been taken towards the designation of a National Park in the Mournes, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. A Steering Group, with nominees from a wide range of interested bodies, has been set up to take forward the designation.
Mournes National Park moves a step closer
Minister of the Environment, Angela Smith, has revealed that a further step has been taken towards the designation of a National Park in the Mournes, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. A Steering Group, with nominees from a wide range of interested bodies, has been set up to take forward the designation.
05 October 2009
'Signature' Highlights National Park Bid
Initiatives to improve the tourist experience in the Mournes are continuing, regardless of a controversial proposal for its designation as a National Park, writes Carla Liebana.
'Signature' Highlights National Park Bid
Initiatives to improve the tourist experience in the Mournes are continuing, regardless of a controversial proposal for its designation as a National Park, writes Carla Liebana.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
